12 Essential Boating Safety Tips
Going out on a boat is a favorite pastime for many Canadians. There’s nothing like being on open water, feeling the sunshine and a refreshing breeze. But before you head out on the boat alone or with others, you need to know how to boat safely to avoid any accidents or troubles while on the water.
Know how to operate a boat
What may seem like the most obvious tip isn’t always one that boat owners do from the beginning: Learn about boats and how to operate them.
Most provinces require boat operators to pass some form of boating education. Since boating is more than knowing how to steer, shift gears, slow down or dock, a required boating class teaches safety techniques and waterway laws. And of course, you’ll want to know how to operate your specific boat model before you take your boat out.
Be prepared for any event before taking off in the boat. Keep a safety kit and a toolkit on board. Include items like a flashlight, a bucket, a first-aid kit and duct tape. Know who to call in an emergency.
Boating safety tips – inspect the boat
Before starting the boat, make sure it’s in working order. If you hear any strange sounds or noises that are louder than normal, find what’s causing them. Check that your life jackets, fire extinguisher, and emergency supplies are on the boat and easily accessible.
Check the weather
Weather can significantly impact water conditions, so check the forecast before leaving the dock. If the forecast calls for strong winds, rain or storms, stay off the water. All of these factors can make a boating experience dangerous.
Wear life jackets
Wearing a life jacket is often the difference between life and death. Some provinces require children under a certain age to wear a life jacket while on any type of boat, so research the life jacket laws in your province.
Drugs and alcohol significantly affect motor skills, judgment and reaction time. None of these should be impaired when operating a boat.
Activities such as wakeboarding or tubing require life jackets. That’s because these activities are done at high speeds and can cause injuries. Even if you’re planning a casual, quiet float on the water, have a life jacket for each person on board. Weather and water conditions can change quickly.
Don’t drink and drive
Drinking while driving a boat isn’t just illegal; it’s extremely dangerous. In fact, it’s so dangerous that the U.S. has passed a federal law against boating under the influence.
Drugs and alcohol significantly affect motor skills, judgment and reaction time. None of these should be impaired when operating a boat.
Boating under the influence can lead to deadly accidents, expensive fines and even jail time. The Canadian Coast Guard states that drinking while driving is even more dangerous on the water than on land.
Check your surroundings
Enjoying the view of the beautiful water and surrounding area makes boating a great experience. But staying aware of your surroundings and what’s in the water is still critical.
Look out for debris in the water, other boats coming too close, people on skis or tubes, and other motorized watercraft like Jet Skis.
Don’t leave any passengers behind
Boating can be full of distractions: from conversations and music on board to the noise from other boats. Always check that your entire party is safely on board before pulling away from the dock. When taking part in water sports like tubing, swimming and wakeboarding, make sure everyone in the water returns to your boat before you leave.
Since boating is more than knowing how to steer, shift gears, slow down or dock, a required boating class teaches safety techniques and waterway laws.
Understand the ways of the water
Just like on land, there are rules for maneuvering in the water with other boats. Before pulling away from the dock, make sure you know which direction you are required to leave from the dock. It’s important to know which boat has the right of way, where you can and can’t stop, the speed in the wake zone, and more. Understanding the rules of water will keep you and others safe.
Put together safety and tool kits
Be prepared for any event before taking off in the boat. Keep a safety kit and a toolkit on board. Include items like a flashlight, a bucket, a first-aid kit and duct tape. Know who to call in an emergency.
Know where you are
Know where you are and how to get back to your original destination at all times. Even if you do get lost, you’ll need to be able to tell others where to find you.
Power off the engine before entering the water
Before entering, exiting or swimming near the boat, turn the engine off. Once the engine is off, the motor and fast-moving propellers stop working and won’t be able to injure anyone who gets near them.
Follow the rules
Set safety rules for your passengers and enforce them while you’re out on the water. If a passenger doesn’t follow the safety rules, ask them to leave the boat to ensure the safety of others.
The memories you make while boating with your family and friends can last a lifetime. While you’re working on getting your boat ready for the water, check in with us. Finding the right protection for your boat can give you peace of mind, knowing that your big investment is carefully insured.
Request a boat insurance quote today.
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